Posted: 23/06/2025
Closing Date: 13/07/2025
Salary: $108,554.00 - $119,737.00
Job Type: Temporary - Part Time
Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: Legal

• Temporary part-time – 3 days (24 hours) per week
• 12-month fixed term contract (Maternity Cover)
• $108,554 to $119,737pa pro rata (plus 11.5% super)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime & WFH

WHO WE ARE

Surf Coast Shire Council oversees the picturesque region of Surf Coast Shire in Victoria, Australia, striving to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of its residents and businesses. This includes upholding local laws and regulations, managing essential infrastructure like roads and parks, and providing vital community services such as family and youth programs. Council plays a pivotal role in planning and development, guiding sustainable growth while preserving the region’s natural beauty. Council actively supports economic development initiatives, fostering local businesses and promoting tourism to stimulate the local economy.
Council acknowledges the Wadawurrung People, and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands we now call Surf Coast Shire.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary qualifications in Law (qualification check conducted).
• Admitted to practice Law in the state of Victoria and hold a current practicing certificate with at least 2 years post-admission experience.
• Legal experience across a broad range of legal issues relevant to Local Government and litigation practice, and a thorough understanding of the Local Government legal and litigation environment.
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to successfully negotiate, influence and resolve complex issues.
• Solid knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and practices related to legal practice inclusive of OH&S obligations.
• Proven interpersonal skills with experience in dealing effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders within a complex organisation.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-graduate qualification in law
• Experience in a Local Government environment
• Experience in advising and advocating on matters pertaining to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic), Building Act 1993 (Vic) and under local laws made pursuant to the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic).

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

We are currently looking for a motivated and solutions focussed person to support and guide Council employees in their roles in a positive and compassionate manner.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL HAVE:

• The ability to review, manage and conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state courts and tribunals, including a sound knowledge of relevant court practice and procedures.
• Proven ability to provide practical and client focused oral and written advice on complex and sensitive matters and carry out complex legal research and analysis.
• Good interpersonal communication skills to work with and advise members of Council.
• Proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities, within a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• A strong focus on turnaround time and ability to work under pressure.